The Lancer men's volleyball team opened up the second half of the season with a hard-fought 3-1 (19-25, 16-25, 25-22, 25-27) to the Brock Badgers Friday night at the St. Denis Centre.
 
STATS
Anthony DeGirolamo had a strong showing in his return to the court, laying up 18 assists. Luca Nastase would have 10 kills, as well as four digs and two blocks. Sean Spencer would have seven digs and nine kills, while also recording a block. Dami Alalade would turn out a performance that saw him produce three blocks and four kills.
 
GAME FLOW
The game started with fast-paced action that would stay consistent throughout the game. Brock would gain an early 9-6 lead over the Lancers in the first set. Windsor would keep the game within striking distance, however, and play from Natase and Alalade would tie the game up midway through the set. The Lancers would gain their first lead of the set thanks to Sean Spencer but Brock ended up edging out the Windsor this set, 25-19.
 
Much like the first set, the Badgers were able to create an early lead that the resilient Lancers would have to overcome. Down 12-6, Windsor called a timeout to regroup. In the latter half of the frame, the Lancers started to gain some momentum with DeGirolamo setting his teammates up with ease. Brock, however, would not give up the lead that they had built even with the Lancers pushing. The set would end 25-16 in favor of the Badgers.
 
The Lancers came out in the third set showing composure that translated into a tight beginning of the set, with both squads square at nine. Gustavo Siqueira would produce some stellar serves that gave the Lancers a 12-9 lead that forced a Badgers timeout. The fans in attendance came alive with a Spencer spike that widened Windsor's lead. Midway through, the Lancers possessed a 17-13 lead. The Badgers were not finished though, as they cut into the Lancer lead, making the game a 21-20 showdown. The Lancers and Badgers would continue to go for blow-for-blow with Windsor getting the edge and a 25-22 win.
 
The blow-for-blow battle continued into the fourth with both teams even at 10. Steven Abrams continued to impress, along with Spencer and Alalade as this high-pressure game continued. Brock would take a minor 16-15 lead against the Lancers heading into a timeout. This timeout would not impact the back and forth action, however, as both teams would level up again at 20. The stage was set for an incredibly exciting final act, Brock would take in an early two-point advantage, only for it to be wiped away by the hosts. The Badgers would edge out the Lancers in an incredible 27-25 finish.
 
UP NEXT
The Lancers hit the road to take on the Badgers again this Sunday, February 13th at 4:00pm in St. Catharine's.